For a franchise that has wallowed in futility since 2003, it's hard to say what will right the ship. The future of Lane Kiffin once looked promising—now it's up in the air. With that said, Jon Gruden had plenty of run-ins with Al Davis yet still succeeded with Oakland--until of course, Al Davis traded Gruden in 2002, where Gruden succeeded of course with The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Raiders did a decent job in free-agency, keeping key players and adding some as well. Sure they overpaid—but so did everyone else. Case in point: Critics lambast the contract given to S Gibril Wilson, yet hail the contract given to S Madieu Williams by the Minnesota Vikings. The contracts between the two were nearly the same--the difference being that Wilson received about 6 million more than Williams. The fact is however that Gibril Wilson started in a Super Bowl winning defense that prevented perfection for the best offense in NFL history. Madieu Williams meanwhile, was a starter for a terrible defense in Cincinnati. Conversely, the criticism of the Wilson contract doesn't coalesce. Nevertheless, I think Oakland should have resigned DE Chris Clemons rather than overpay to keep DL Tommy Kelly, but I'm not as adamant in my opposition to that decision. Ultimately, the underlying question about Oakland's free-agency acquisitions is whether those moves will position them well for the NFL Draft, which is what makes or breaks a franchise.
And quite frankly, in the draft, Oakland has been broken time and time again. Former first-round picks: DT Darrell Russell (1997), CB Charles Woodson (1998), G Mo Collins (1999), OL Matt Stinchcomb (1998), S Derrick Gibson (2001), CB/RS Phillip Buchanon (2002), LB Napoleon Harris (2002), and DL/LB Tyler Brayton (2003) have all moved on from Oakland—either because they weren't good enough, got traded, got in legal trouble, or signed elsewhere.
The book is still out on OL Robert Gallery (2004), CB Fabian Washington (2005), S Michael Huff (2006), and QB JaMarcus Russell (2007). Only CB Nnamdi Asomugha (2003) and P Shane Lechler have been bona fide stars for Oakland since returning from Los Angeles and that still remain with the team (meaning, they have had other stars but they have moved on). Meanwhile, former 1st round-pick, K Sebastian Janikowski (2000)has shown All-Pro ability just not the consistency. Nevertheless, until 2006, Nnamdi Asomugha was considered a flop but is now considered the best shut-down corner in the NFL, so that does embolden me with hope in regards to the aforementioned top-picks. Give 'em time.
Today's Must Reads
With that said, it frustrated me then and now that Oakland choose to select Robert Gallery with the 2nd-overall pick in 2004 when QB Ben Roethlisberger was available, as was QB Phillip Rivers. The next year in 2005, QB Aaron Rodgers was available at 7th-overall, but Oakland had traded that pick for Randy Moss. In 2006, QB Matt Leinart and QB Jay Cutler were available at 7th-overall, but the Raiders selected DB Michael Huff. Only in 2007 did the Raiders finally select a quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, even though WR Calvin Johnson and RB Adrian Peterson were the better pure-picks. I have hope for Russell, but like I said, it does frustrate me that Oakland has circled the waters for so long, only to now be on the right track.
If you think that's bad, it gets worse. In the rounds after the first, only WR Ronald Curry (7th/2002), RB Justin Fargas (3rd/2003), LB Kirk Morrison (3rd/2005), FB Oren O'Neal (5th/2007), TE Zach Miller (2nd/2007), RT Paul McQuistan (3rd/2006), CB Stanford Routt (2nd/2005), and LB Thomas Howard (2nd/2006) appear to be legitimate starters for Oakland. Safety Stuart Schweigert (3rd/2004) and DE Jay Richardson (5th/2007) have showed some promise, but only time will tell. As well, RB Michael Bush (4th/2007) could do for Oakland what RB Frank Gore did for San Francisco.
But why the hell did Oakland trade a 3rd-rounder to get OT Mario Henderson (3rd/2007), yet not let him play in 2007? And of course the big bad moves. All the picks acquired from the Gruden-trade are no longer with the team. Meanwhile, the Raiders traded the 7th-overall pick and Napolean Harris for Randy Moss in 2005--then traded Moss for a 4th round pick in 2007. That pick in 2005 however, could have been used to select QB Aaron Rodgers.
Furthermore, I could name the flops, but: Why would I want too? However, the Raiders have been strangely good at finding undrafted talent, such as DT Terdell Sands, DL Tommy Kelly, DB/RS Chris Carr and TE John Madsen. They also hit home-runs in free-agency with ProBowl DE Derrick Burgess and ProBowl FB Justin Griffith, while the acquisitions of OL Cooper Carlisle and DT Gerard Warren were solid moves for building a foundation.
Don't get me wrong. Oakland has some hope. But I emphasize the word "some."
The 2008 draft though is by far the most important. The Raiders have a chance to add the missing pieces to return to NFL legitimacy. The question is: What can they do in order to maximize their potential? If you have read my previous articles, the you would know that my initial opinion was for Oakland to select RB Darren McFadden as the one move to whitewash many of their flaws.
Well, I'm doing a 180 of sorts. In that, the following is what I believe they can do defensively in order to right the ship.
While I still think D-Mac would be a good choice, my alternate scenario has Oakland picking Vernon Gholston. The reason: The Raiders could move Gholston to linebacker, and do the same with Derrick Burgess. Thomas Howard would move inside, while Tommy Kelly, Terdell Sands, Gerard Warren, and Jay Richardson would become the occupiers on the line in the 3-4 instead of the 4-3; and maybe DL Calais Campbell will slide to Oakland in the 2nd-round. I can only imagine the havoc that a linebacker group like that would cause.
As for the rest of the draft: Oakland is currently without picks in the third and fifth rounds. The third round pick was traded in order to get Mario Henderson in 2007 and the fifth was traded for Gerard Warren. Oakland conversely needs to get more picks. Trading down in the second round might be a good idea, while trading LaMont Jordan for two 2nd-day picks would help. The reason being is that two particularly intriguing offensive-linemen in the 2008 Draft are Heath Benedict and Mike McGlynn. Both compare well to bona fide starters (Jordan Gross, Mark Tauscher) and should be available in the third round; possibly the 4th-round. If Oakland can get back in that round and grab them (or get them by any means), than that would be a nice haul.
All in all, the point is that for Oakland to turn things around is to learn patience and by developing from up from the bottom--rather than trying to make moves from the top in hopes that the bottom will follow. Sound moves are the moves that resonate to success. Cacophonous moves are the moves that make fans resort to tuning-out, bagging-up or finding a nice place in the universe of their mind and chanting,"Ohm."
comments (31) write a comment »
write a new comment
5 months ago
Garbage. move Derrick Burgess to LB? this was strait garbage
from 5 months ago
In the 3-4, Derrick Burgess is a prototypical rush-linebacker. In theory, a foursome of Vernon Gholston, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard and Derrick Burgess could be legendary--and would rival that of San Diego. At least, I think so. Gholston looks like another Shawne Merriman--and I'd hate to see him slide to a team like New England or the Jets. Which is why I think Oakland should capitalize on Gholston by switching to the 3-4, which is the system that DC Rob Ryan prefers--and is his fortay from when he was linebackers coach for the Patriots; and is also in his bloodline (Buddy Ryan, Rex Ryan).
The secondary looks great on paper--in my opinion---and I think the LB corps would too with Gholston. So maybe the DL would be a patchwork line, but would be good enough to get by with a rotation of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands and Jay Richardson. And who knows maybe Calais Campbell will fall to Oakland in the 2nd round (he'd be great as an end in the 3-4).
I think Oakland should pass on taking an OL early. This draft is loaded with them--there should be solid OLs around in the later rounds to develop, which is the best way of finding OLs. Look at Barry Sims. He was a solid LT for years for Oakland, but was undrafted. I hope that Oakland realizes that the Draft is about filling as many holes as possible not just one player.
5 months ago
and they just signed Tommy Kelly to a MASSIVE contract and he's left off??
take out Warren and put him in and it still wouldn't work IMO..
5 months ago
interesting musings here that is for sure.
i am not sure i like them or not.
i'd love to hear his take on drafting mcfadden.
5 months ago
Intersting musing sounds like a change in philosphy for the team I like that. I also like the 180 on Dmac.
5 months ago
One other thing the D-Line would be better with LE Tommy Kelly, NT Terdell Sands RE Gerard Warren.
5 months ago
as far as I can tell, the rayduhhs are the only other team in the same playagism league as the Spatz. So in answer to the question, what can the rayduhhs do? What they always do, cheat. Worked for them in San Diego with the 30 yard forward fumble. Worked for them when they broke Stingleys neck. (don't give me the 'it was a clean hit' shit either, they cheap shot on almost every play, especially Tatum et al.) They tried it with the innacurate misconception too, but to this day no camera angle shows it touch anyone else BUT Tatum. They tried it on the tuck rule too. Too bad, but payback for Stingley was LOOONG overdue. San Diego kinda has been able to get justice in recent years by kicking the rayduhhhs assets. Miami still owes them for the Stabler/Plunkett?? from his knees on the famous Fat Boy John Madden dancing play in 1975 playoffs. Still one of the best games ever played. Would have been Miamis 4th straight Super Bowl, but somebody paid the refs not to call the QB down, let him throw it, bounced off of 2 or 3 defenders, right into the hands of the luckiest rayduhh in history. Miami will get payback someday too, but they will do it fairly. Wow, fair play, what a concept. Grasp it New England and Oakland. It might serve you well yet.
5 months ago
Anonymous you smoke something ,cause i watched a deal on tv that showed clear evidence that the ball got touched in the Immaclate reception by a non eligibable receiver, and the guy now admits it,and the hit on Stingley was Legal ,but unfortunate,and Tatum didn't mean to break the guys neck it was a accident , and can happen anytime in football at any level! so go back and smoke some more(pole)vault
5 months ago
as far as I can tell, the rayduhhs are the only other team in the same playagism league as the Spatz. So in answer to the question, what can the rayduhhs do? What they always do, cheat. Worked for them in San Diego with the 30 yard forward fumble. Worked for them when they broke Stingleys neck. (don't give me the 'it was a clean hit' shit either, they cheap shot on almost every play, especially Tatum et al.) They tried it with the innacurate misconception too, but to this day no camera angle shows it touch anyone else BUT Tatum. They tried it on the tuck rule too. Too bad, but payback for Stingley was LOOONG overdue. San Diego kinda has been able to get justice in recent years by kicking the rayduhhhs assets. Miami still owes them for the Stabler/Plunkett?? from his knees on the famous Fat Boy John Madden dancing play in 1975 playoffs. Still one of the best games ever played. Would have been Miamis 4th straight Super Bowl, but somebody paid the refs not to call the QB down, let him throw it, bounced off of 2 or 3 defenders, right into the hands of the luckiest rayduhh in history. Miami will get payback someday too, but they will do it fairly. Wow, fair play, what a concept. Grasp it New England and Oakland. It might serve you well yet.
5 months ago
Oh Braaad,
Sounds like you are the pole smoker. At least you didn't deny that the Duhhs and Spatz are equal on the cheat spread. One other thing you got correct. I live in Humboldt County and I have a legalized state card. Too bad for you pole-lock jock. I only smoke when I can't afford to make herbal condiments. It's much more enjoyable as a foodstuff than it is as a lung scorcher. On a more civil note, that truly was a great game in 75, and the innacurate misconception only allowed Pitt home court. If the Rayduhs HAD won, I believe that they would have had to go TO Miami the next week. No way to prove it now but even a diehard Rayduh fan has to admit that 72-73 Phish team was unbeatable, especially at home. It would have been a slaughter. In those days that means something like 17-0 Miami. Typical huh? Peace out, and NO I don't even condone pole smokin' much less participate. Pole smokers are just like Spatz and Duuhs, they are cheaters. They cheat God. Before I start a sermon, see ya Brad!
5 months ago
does anyone know if theres a possibility of us the raiders of getting howie longs son in the draft or are they projecting him to be gone before we pick.
5 months ago
I believe Jamarcus russell has the potential to be a great QB and cant be called one of Oaklands Draft busts just yet. The guy signed with Raiders much later than any of his first round colleges, didnt attend any preseason training or preseason games and started on the 15th game of the season. The Raiders have strengetened their Recieving corps pretty well with the additions of Javon Walker and Drew Carter, but the offensive line still needs a makeover for Russell to further enhance his game. Many defensive prospets are seen in this draft for the Raiders and Darren Mcfadden seems to offer alot as well in the running game. With the recent resignings of Rhodes and Fargas, The Raiders may not look at Mcfadden as much as they might if Chris Long or Gholston are still available. As for the O-line if what you said about O linemen being an abundant commidity in this draft, then the Raiders may not have to look at them too much either. Hopefully the Raiders will return to their reign of supremacy for which they have always been known for.
from 5 months ago
I wasn't calling J-Russ a bust, but until he proves himself--I can't call him a success.
5 months ago
The Raiders will take McFadden!!!!!!!!
1. It will sell tickets (Russell, McFadden)
2. Kiff and Al are offensive guys at heart.
3. McFadden is the most talented player in the draft.
4. Chris Long will already be drafted.
5. If You score 30 a game and have the #1 run attack, You dont have to worry about run defense!
5 months ago
You are FULL OF BS AND A COWARD AND CHICKEN SHIT. ENOUGH SAID
GO RAIDERS
RADLADY
5 months ago
Daniel, Great analysis of the draft. However, don't you think that Gholston would better suit the Raiders as a 4-3 defensive end. I am a little concerned with moving him to LB. I think the Raiders play too many of their guys at different positions before making sure they can play one position well. Look at Tyler Braton. He had a decent rookie season at DE then the Raiders put him at LB and he was never the same. The same goes for Grant Irons.
5 months ago
franklee scarlett just wants to feel my hairy chest on his back. Just another keyboard coward typing mindless wordbarf from the safety of his computer. A scared little bitch is what you are.
5 months ago
You act like Aaron Rogers is some superstar. Tell me, what has he done in the NFL. Answer, nothing. How many other teams past on hom when he did his freefall in the draft.
5 months ago
What is the need these San Diego fans have to come on our blogs? I have no need to go on their blogs...I really don't care. All the "trash talk" and pigeon english...It;s so dumb.
5 months ago
The 72 "fish" team went unbeaten and only went unbeaten because they didn't play the Raiders that year. The 'fish" did play them next year and guess who broke their win streak.
72 dolphins.. so overrated.
5 months ago
While I think the Raiders may draft Gholston, I don't think they will be converting to the 3-4 again. I know that Ryan prefers it, but his boss doesn't. Al doesn't like blitzing a lot, one of the mainstays of the 3-4. He prefers man coverage and a 4 man pass rush. This can work, similar to what the Giants did. Gholston would still be a solid pickup as a DE, a position in which the Raiders are weak.
5 months ago
They can give both looks. Gholston and Burgess as OLB in 3-4 and put back at DE in 4-3. It would help the Raiders be less predictable. My only question is are K-Morrison and Thomas Howard 3-4 middle LB's? There is also talk about bringing in DE Kevin Carter. At 6-6 306 he and Kelly at DE along with Sands at NT might work out really well. Read Jeff Little's post about changing defensive philosophy it pretty much puts it all out there.
from 5 months ago
Thanks for the comments & shout Out I agree!
5 months ago
This is nothing new, or nothing that hasn't been talked about. The Raiders draft poorly every year in the first round. I have been a Raider fan since I was a little kid and 75% of the time since then, we have drafted poorly in the first round. I think it is due to the Raiders not drafting the way they say they will every year. Supposedly, their philosophy is to take the best person available(in their minds) and not somone based on need alone, but year in and year out we draft someone based on need and not the best person available. Like in that 2005 draft for instance, you said we could have drafted Rodgers with that 7th pick that we traded away for moss, well you failed to mention we moved back into the first round that year at spot #23 after trading the #7 for moss and since corner was a need that year being woodson was injured all the time and Nnamdi just wasn't producing at the time we used that pick (#23) on Fabian Washington instead of Aaron Rodgers whom was taken with the very next pick at #24. Also, Jason Campbell was taken right after Rodgers at #25, we could have had either of those guys instead of Fabian Washington. But since Corner was a need that year, not only did we draft one with our first pick and but also our second pick with stanford Routt. Now Routt is outplaying Fabian and we are actively shopping him around to no avail. Also, (here's where it gets comical if I wasn't one of the people the joke was being played on) we tried to trade Moss for Aaron Rodgers, the guy we could have drafted with the pick we gave up for Moss or even with the 23rd pick we used on Fabe, before we settled for a fourth round pick instead because the packers said no way. Very Poor first round drafting!!! Someone needs to be held accountable or this will continue on forever.......................
5 months ago
Oh I forgot, we also tried to trade Moss for Jason Campbell too. So, to review, this example is only the most recent in a long list of dumb first day draft scenarios. First, we draft Phillip Buchanon and Napolean Harris with our 2 first rounders in 2003 (one that we got from the Gruden "trade") Instead of Ed Reed with either pick even though myself and every draft person thought after seeing he was somehow available that we would take Ed Reed with either pick after he was coming off a 9 interception season at Miami and we were hurting at safety. Then, only 3 years later, we trade Phillip for a 3rd round pick to the texans. Then we traded our 7th overall pick and our other first round from 2003 (Napolean Harris) for Moss instead of drafting Aaron Rodgers or Jason Campbell. In addition to that, we moved back into the first round in a trade with Seattle, where we sat at #23 and still didn't draft Aaron Rodgers or Jason Campbell there (they were drafted #24 and #25) instead, electing to draft Fabian Washington at #23 and Stanford Routt with our 2nd round pick. Then, only 2 years later we try to trade Moss for Aaron Rodgers first and when the Pack said NO, we tried to trade Moss for Jason Campbell which the Redskins also said Hell no. So we then trade Moss for a 4th round pick and are trying to trade Fabian Washington because Stanford Routt is basically outplaying him. When you really think about it, we have been one of the worst first day drafting teams as of the past 15 years or so, ever. It's almost surreal
5 months ago
I believe there was an article earlier this off season that had Ryan quoted as saying he asked Derrick Burgess to add some weight or bulk. To me this doesn't sound like they will use him as a OLB. It sounds like they want to use him as a DE in a 3-4 as DE's in 3-4's usually are a little bigger than those of a 4-3. Also I wouldn't move Howard inside I'd look at Robert Thomas or draft a ILB he is too valuable covering TE's. I do agree with the Gholston pick and by the way it's not just the Raiders looking at him as a OLB in a 3-4 others are too. Still switching between the 3-4 and the 4-3 makes the most sense and we could have the personel to do this if we draft Gholston. Just a couple CRAZY thoughts what do you guys think?
5 months ago
no one will give 2 second day pics for Lamont Jordan. If a team wants Jordan, they will just wait for us to release him. Lets just keep that real. We have a better chance of getting a 4th round pick for Rhodes.
I do like gholston though. 2nd round T. Laws from N.D. =Run will be stopped!
5 months ago
"Kill two birds with one McStone" I woke up this morning with some clarity on what Al Davis might be thinking. He wants Mcfadden; but not in the most conventional sense. Al knows Mcfadden is a game changer and we all know how much Al is intrigued by that. But he also is versatile, I believe Mcfadden will be used as a running back and a reciever; weather he be stressed out wide, or brought in motion, or in the slot. I believe he needs to be what Reggie Bush could never quite be. Lofton, Kiffin, and Knapp need to figure out how to use Mcfadden (their new toy) as a game changer at Running Back and Reciever. -----Think About it
5 months ago
I agree with that also, "kill 2 birds with one Mcstone" if we are gonna take the best person in the draft available like we say we do, then we will take McFadden and find a way to utilize him well. No disrespect to Fargas, but imagine a backfield of a healthy Michael Bush and McFadden, that would be unstoppable. Sign Kevin Carter, Draft T. Laws or an O-lineman like Sam Baker in round 2 and get McFadden in the first and with the receiver additions and a tackling SS in Gibril suddenly, we are close to a playoff team, it turns around just like that in the NFL. Love our free agents signings so far this year and soon we will be shutting up the media critics with our play on the field, finally a good free agent season for the Raiders, now if the media would stop bashing us all the time, maybe people would give us a chance, because we are close now, very close.
5 months ago
you're talking like the raiders already have mcfadden, it'd be good for them, but also think of this, they traded their second round pick for DeAngelo Hall. all they have to do is give him a contract and that's set, so if that happens, the Raiders have like what, a first round pick and a fourth round pick and some other late ones right? i don't really pay attention so someoen correct me if i'm wrong but anyways...the cowboys want McFadden pretty bad too i guess..so maybe they'll give up those 2 late first rounders and some other crap if he's still there after Atlanta. but hey maybe oakland will pick him up instead though, no one else in front of them will i'm pretty sure
MIA. Chris Long
STL. Vernon Ghoulston or Jake Long
ATL. Matt Ryan
that's just my guess
and can someone please tell me why the patriots didn't get the SEVENTH overall pick taken from them instead of the 31st? i hate that
5 months ago
Raiders need to right the ship, mcfadden is the sexy pick but not the rt pick. draft defense!!! if they pick up d.hall, it looks like they will -the defense is that much closer to where they need to be. they dont need a 4th running back, they drafted bush last yr, vargas is doing well , running back is not the problem!!!! keeping russell upright will, demarcus is there team they dont need mcfadden to sell tickets or to keep there fans raider fans are the most loyal, you cant go wrong w. drafting DEFENSE with this pick!!!gholston will be there maybe maybe dorsey or the linebacker from usc? but rb? please their will be plenty of rounds to get one! and btw bradshaw was drafted in the 7 th rnd by the giants how did that workout for them??????????????
write a new comment